Hoverboards Prohibited at SUNY Plattsburgh

January 20, 2016

Because of a range of safety concerns posed by hoverboards, SUNY Plattsburgh will
not allow these devices in campus facilities.

This ban is effective immediately.

Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters that look much like a skateboard,
are electronic and require a rechargeable battery to operate. These devices have been
related to many fire incidents across the United States. Several state and national
safety and consumer agencies are now investigating these devices. The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission has also raised additional concerns and is asking that incidents
be reported to them.

Colleges across the country are taking similar steps in prohibiting use on their campuses.
Accordingly, SUNY Plattsburgh will not allow hoverboards and related devices to be
charged, operated, stored, or used within the SUNY Plattsburgh main campus facilities,
including but not limited to all residence halls, dining facilities, academic/administrative
buildings, athletic facilities and outdoor areas. Students, faculty, or staff who
own a self-balancing scooter, battery-operated scooter, or hands-free Segway are asked
not to bring any such devices to campus when returning from winter break.

Violation of this policy could result in disciplinary action by the college. SUNY
Plattsburgh may re-evaluate this directive in the future.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has issued a safety alert
regarding hoverboards.

For questions or concerns, contact Jerry Lottie, Interim Chief of University Police,
at 518-564-2022, or Cathleen Eldridge, director, Environmental Health and Safety,
at 518-564-5009.